From the Chair

As you read on you'll find that a number of events recorded, and a number of articles printed here in CUTTINGS are interconnected. I wish I could claim I planned it that way - but it really is through a strange series of coincidences.

Our cover illustrates the recent historic voyage onto the Sankey at Fiddlers Ferry and Spike Island of the narrow boat EARNEST. As you can read within, on her way round from the Ship Canal at Eastham she grounded a number of times, and I viewed her journey down to Liverpool from the heights of the Cathedral tower with exhilaration... and some trepidation! The hazards she faced are also well told in two other articles - in the account of Roy Forshaw's Talk to the Society about the ports of call Mersey flats made between Widnes and Garston, and in Frank Riley's story of his childhood adventure in getting a boat off the mud to safe haven. All make it clear that access to the Sankey via the Mersey is only ever going to be for the experienced and well-prepared boater - casual trips by first-time hirers are not recommended.

Against that background, news of the "Pre-Feasibility Study" being undertaken on behalf of six local Councils is very welcome. It is looking at both the restoration of the Sankey itself, and at the funding possibilities for a new link to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. If that is built, the most inexperienced boater will be able to access the Sankey in the same way as any other Canal, without facing the hazards of the tideway - which, of course, will greatly increase the numbers visiting the country's first modern canal. We look forward to welcoming the EARNEST at Fiddlers Ferry again - without holding our breath as she faces the Mersey's perils.

David Long, Chairman, SCARS

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